New Daily Pill for Endometriosis Approved for NHS Use
A new daily pill for treating endometriosis has been approved for use on the NHS in England, offering relief to around 1,000 women each year who have exhausted other treatment options. The drug, known as relugolix combination therapy or Ryeqo, works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to the condition while also providing necessary hormone replacement. Unlike existing injectable treatments, which can initially worsen symptoms and require clinic visits, this tablet can be taken at home and offers more flexibility for those managing side effects or planning to have children.
Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, described the approval as "a potential step-change in how we manage endometriosis, putting control back in patients' hands while ensuring value for the taxpayer." The pill, which costs £72 for a 28-day supply, is expected to help reduce strain on NHS services by eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits. However, Endometriosis UK emphasized that the treatment will only be available to a small portion of the 1.5 million women affected by the condition and called for more investment in research and additional treatment options.
Endometriosis, which causes severe pain, heavy periods, and exhaustion, affects one in ten women and can take up to a decade to diagnose. Dr. Sue Mann, NHS national clinical director for women's health, highlighted the drug’s significance, saying, "This first-of-a-kind treatment... will give women greater control of their own health by potentially allowing them to get the treatment they need in the comfort of their own homes, without the need to attend regular appointments."
